Pelicans’ Griffin: Gentry staying, and perhaps Davis, too

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The Pelicans newly hired top basketball executive says coach Alvin Gentry will be retained and that he won’t rule out the possibility of talking six-time All-Star Anthony Davis into rescinding his trade request and committing to New Orleans long-term.

David Griffin, who was introduced Wednesday as Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, is taking over for former general manager Dell Demps, who was fired this past season in the wake of Davis’ trade request.

Griffin says Pelicans owner Gayle Benson convinced him of her commitment to winning by agreeing to what Griffin described as “outrageous demands” related to his desire to bolster staffing and resources in the front office.

Griffin was the formerly the general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers when they won their only NBA title.